The antecedent has relation to that which next follows unless thereby the meaning of the sentence would be impaired.

Explanation

A relative word or clause refers to the nearest antecedent unless that construction would produce an absurd or unintelligible result. (Duplicate maxim — see also 10.2.1.)

Where this applies

• The pronoun 'it' in the judgment — does it refer to the first thing mentioned or the second?
• An ambiguous reference in the court's ruling needs to be resolved by reading context.

See also

• 10.2.1 Relative words refer to the nearest antecedent, unless it be prevented by the context.